Engine Upgrade?
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: South Texas
Engine Upgrade?
I'm not sure if this is the correct place for this post, but I was hoping you guys might be able to give me some info/advice/opinions......
I have a 2003 Heritage Classic that is about to get it's first modifications. Planning on new bars, chroming the front end, new exhaust, SE air cleaner, PCIII and unfortunately tearing down the motor to get some of the parts chrome plated due to the original chrome starting to flake. My question is... Since we are tearing done the motor anyway, should I take the opportunity to:
1. Change the cams?
2. Install the Stage II 95 Big Bore kit?
3. Just get the parts chromed and leave the motor stock?
What are the pros and cons to upgrading the motor? I'm not looking to go out and race the bike, but I definitely wouldn't mind more power.
Thanks for the help!
I have a 2003 Heritage Classic that is about to get it's first modifications. Planning on new bars, chroming the front end, new exhaust, SE air cleaner, PCIII and unfortunately tearing down the motor to get some of the parts chrome plated due to the original chrome starting to flake. My question is... Since we are tearing done the motor anyway, should I take the opportunity to:
1. Change the cams?
2. Install the Stage II 95 Big Bore kit?
3. Just get the parts chromed and leave the motor stock?
What are the pros and cons to upgrading the motor? I'm not looking to go out and race the bike, but I definitely wouldn't mind more power.
Thanks for the help!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
Definitely do some motor work. If you're looking for some more power you won't regret it for a minute. If the work is done correctly, the bike will be just as reliable and more fun to ride.
As for the cons, can't think of many. I suppose depending on the mods, mileage could drop a bit (or not). Also, the motor work (and chrome for that matter) won't add any value to the bike if you think you might sell it.
As for the cons, can't think of many. I suppose depending on the mods, mileage could drop a bit (or not). Also, the motor work (and chrome for that matter) won't add any value to the bike if you think you might sell it.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 149
Likes: 1
From: Randleman, NC
HELL YEAH do motor work. Talk to someone who knows about motor builds & tell them what YOU want your mc to do. I do road trips & around town riding & asked my builder (***'s HD Asheboro,NC) to build me a torque motor & they delivered in spades for what I wanted to spend. If you can't find someone call Rob Clark 336-629-2416 at ***'s.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
Likes: 69
From: Twin Cities, MN
I don't know your budget, or what you consider your riding style and performance goals. Since it is a 2003, if it hasn't been done already, upgrade the cam tensiors at a minimum. Adding cams (and upgrading to the HD SE Hydraulic Cam Tensioners) to my 88" was the best money spent on my bike. My budget didn't allow for adding cubic inches, but the cams made a HUGE improvent in my bikes power and enjoyment factor.
Definately upgrade the motor.
Definately upgrade the motor.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,875
Likes: 32,936
From: King George, VA
If you're going to do motor work, go to an indy for the work. I would never trust another dealer to open my motor after what happened to my build that Patriot Harley of Fairfax, VA did. Over 8K for a 103 motor and 30K miles later, blown head gasket and turned out the crank runout was way out of tolerance and tore up my oil pump, cam stuff and everything else that the metal shards could get to.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 992
Likes: 143
From: eastern NC
BY ALL MEANS!!!!! I just did the Andrews TA-26 cam upgrade and it is the best money you will ever spend!!!! Not a ton more power, but more power where you need it--- 3500-4500 range is where it is at. Stock cam makes the max around 5000 RPM (who rides there?)
Also-- do the hydro tentioner upgrade while you are there and cam bearings.
End of the year-- if bonuses come around again this year, my INDY will be doing the 95" upgrade.
Also-- do the hydro tentioner upgrade while you are there and cam bearings.
End of the year-- if bonuses come around again this year, my INDY will be doing the 95" upgrade.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,035
Likes: 5
From: near Buffalo, NY
95", SE 204 cams, new tensioners and a Baisley bypass spring. For where you are at dis-assembly-wise, a cheap and powerful upgrade. Definitely 204s.
Not necessary, but if you have a little more cash and plan on keeping it long term, you may want to upgrade the cam plate to the new hydro tensioners and oil pump. The Baisley by-pass will increase the pressure on your old pump.
Not necessary, but if you have a little more cash and plan on keeping it long term, you may want to upgrade the cam plate to the new hydro tensioners and oil pump. The Baisley by-pass will increase the pressure on your old pump.